Scathing report criticises management of Australian Hunter-class frigate programme
The Hunter class will be an extremely capable warship, but few major Australian procurement projects start smoothly. (Image: RAN)
On 10 May, the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) released a 114-page report containing sharp criticism of how the Department of Defence has managed the Hunter-class frigate programme.
While the ANAO said Defence’s management has been ‘partly effective’, it criticised the organisation. ‘Defence’s procurement process and related advisory processes lacked a value for money focus, and key records, including the rationale for the procurement approach, were not retained.’
Key findings related to the cost of the programme and schedule delays. In July 2020, Project Sea 5000 Phase 1 for nine frigates was valued at A$45.6 billion ($31.5 billion). ‘Contract
Access this article and other Decisive Edge Newsletter news content with a free basic account
You will also get one free Premium News article each week
Already have an account? Log in
More from Decisive Edge Newsletter
-
Royal Navy embarks on assessment phase to arm Type 31 frigates with Mk 41 VLS
This week, the UK Royal Navy confirmed that it intends to equip the future Type 31 frigates with the Mk41 VLS.
-
Royal Air Force pilots to train in Italy to address UK aircrew pipeline issues
In a bid to mitigate disruption to fast jet training, the Royal Air Force will begin using the International Flight Training School in Italy.
-
Sukhoi Su-35 fighters for Iran to arrive imminently amid controversy over jet's combat success
Iran is poised to receive Sukhoi Su-35 fighters as part of its modernisation efforts while reports claim substantial losses of Russian fighters in the conflict with Ukraine.
-
Training begins in earnest for Indian C295 transport aircraft crews
Airbus has already begun training the first batch of flight crews for the Indian Air Force's C295 fleet and will also supply a CAE simulator under the contract.
-
Can Boeing's Super Hornet pull off a surprise victory in the Indian Navy's fighter jet competition?
As India's economy continues to face challenges, the stakes are high for Boeing and Dassault in the Indian Navy's fighter jet competition as industry still awaits a decision.